Camping near Gillham Lake

Gillham Lake is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Gillham Lake. Find the best campgrounds near Gillham Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Gillham Lake (154)

    1. Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

    12 Reviews
    Wickes, AR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 385-2201

    "Awesome location right near and easy access to the falls. No water and there is a “out house” type of restroom."

    "We take our border collies and they are able to follow with minimal assistance."

    2. Cossatot Reefs - Gillham Lake

    9 Reviews
    Gillham, AR
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (870) 386-7261

    $23 - $40 / night

    "Near Gillham Lake but on the river below the spillway."

    "There's a canoe launch, volleyball, basketball, playground, horseshoes... showers and toilets are clean and there is easy access to hiking trails."

    3. Shady Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Umpire, AR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (501) 321-5202

    "Shady Lake is a great place to get away from it all. It has a beautiful lake, a creek and trails to hike on. There is tent and RV camping sites."

    "Loop C has nothing but is my favorite because of its proximity to available camping near the creek."

    4. Little Coon Creek

    2 Reviews
    Gillham, AR
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (870) 385-7126

    $23 - $30 / night

    5. Cossatot River RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Wickes, AR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 243-3525

    $25 / night

    "It was off the beaten path. Very quiet and peaceful. It seemed most people were gone during the day, maybe working. We explored the state park down the road and went on some fun drives."

    6. Sandbar Area Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

    2 Reviews
    Wickes, AR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 385-2201

    "The campground is tricky to locate, I would recommend familiarizing yourself with the directions especially if you are arriving after dark."

    "This place is a beautifull forested remote area and you have to drive over 4.5 miles to get to the campsite, its a two lane dirt road, lookout for deer and other critters crossing."

    7. Beavers Bend State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Eagletown, OK
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 494-6538

    $20 - $40 / night

    "We had initially planned to go camping at Lake Ouachita in Arkansas; however, unfortunately we were unable to go due to the COVID crisis and Arkansas only allowing in-state residents to begin camping again"

    "Watched a lot of people walk there in the dark without lights with their kids."

    8. Jefferson Ridge - Dierks Lake

    2 Reviews
    Dierks, AR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 286-3214

    $10 - $45 / night

    "I jumped on it, it was the last campground with availability in the Path of Totality for the Solar Eclipse."

    9. Daisy State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Kirby, AR
    28 miles
    Website

    "Daisy SP is a fantastic SP located in the southwest corner of Arkansas.  The Camper and RV sites are level and big for any size vehicle.  The walk in tent sites are some of the best in the Midwest. "

    "We are parcel to sites 95 and 96 due to their close proximity to the bathroom. The bathrooms are very clean and we have observed the camp staff regularly checking and maintaining them."

    10. Bellah Mine

    2 Reviews
    Gillham, AR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 386-7511

    $23 - $45 / night

    "Every site had an unobstructed view of the lake due to the unique terraced landscapes. Paved, mostly level sites with good power 30 and 50A service and shade."

    "Spot is clean, has several unique sites which are enhanced lake wall decks. There are several RV sites lake view. Clean shower house, playground with pea gravel surface, boat ramp, and lake acces."

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Recent Reviews near Gillham Lake

456 Reviews of 154 Gillham Lake Campgrounds


  • Wesley H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    County Road D1590 Dispersed

    Deep woods

    Definitely isolated, kind of creepy at night. Drove our 29ft class c to the site,road is mostly small rocks

  • Wesley H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    County Road D1590 Dispersed

    Really in the woods

    Took our class c down the narrow road. Pretty good mostly rock.camp site was clean.

  • Lauren M.
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Pioneer Campgrounds

    Peaceful, healing, and perfect in every season

    We found Pioneer Campgrounds three years ago and have come back every chance we get. It’s more than just a campground—it’s a true escape from the noise and stress of everyday life.

    This place has something special every time we visit. There’s a peaceful creek, a two-mile trail for walking or biking, volleyball and basketball courts, ping pong, and a fire pit for those perfect evening hangouts. The kids have room to run and explore, and our dogs are always welcome.

    The cabins are spacious, super clean, and have great A/C—perfect for relaxing after a day outside. There are spots for tent camping too if that’s your style. Each visit brings something new: upgrades, little surprises, and thoughtful touches that make it feel even more like home.

    They also offer extras like a washer and dryer, coffee, cold drinks, and shirts—all for a small charge. Plus, the WiFi is great thanks to Starlink, which is a bonus when you need to stay a little connected.

    Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, this place is beautiful year-round. It’s peaceful, quiet, and perfect for our family!

    Big thank-you to Matt—the owner—he’s kind, down-to-earth, and truly an awesome dude. We’re so glad we found this gem. Thanks from The Mays Family. 💚

  • Wayne J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground

    5star campground 4star site

    I’ve reviewed the campground before, for other sites. Most are level and plenty of room/parking length. This site 30 is cramped and has a passenger side tilt to it. I have a 26’ (tip to tail) TT and a crew cab pickup… they will not fit in the campsite end to end, much less with some room to get in to the tailgate. Once unhooked, I had to angle the truck in to overlap the tongue of the TT. Ended up with a 3 inch riser to level the trailer side to side, which puts the first step about 17 inches up. To add to it, there is no level surface much further than the step before the site slopes off steeply with pine needles. The site just seems like the Park wanted to jam another spot in to make 45$ extra a night on busy times. I would not recommend site 30, to anyone. Tent campers would be even worse off, as the tent pad area is back closer to the road.

  • Jacob
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Turner Creek Road

    Peaceful

    Very secluded spot no amenities just a rock fire ring Very peaceful

  • Bonnie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2025

    Beavers Bend State Park Campground

    Very clean and peaceful

    Buckeye campground is a newly renovated loop. The sites on the water are absolutely beautiful! Easy set up. Plenty of room for our 5th wheel and truck. Level concrete site. It rained a lot during our stay but we were not bothered at all since there was no mud around us.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Daisy State Park Campground

    Beautiful State Campground

    Very large state campground right on the lake. Clean bathrooms with showers. Would be fantastic for families.

  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2025

    Beard's Bluff Park

    Peaceful, Easy and suitable for kids!

    We got here by chance, not knowing we would stop here for the night and just fell in love with the beauty of the trees and lake! 

    Easy connection for electric and water and very close by (2 min drive) is a place to dump. 

    There is a sweet park for little kids to play which is great!

    Camp site does cost money and some are pricier than others (hence 4 stars) but overall loved it here.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 13, 2025

    Tompkins Bend

    Beautiful

    The area is very nice I came here tent camping and I love that there are designated tent spots rather than only trailer spots. There is a large enough area for multiple tents to be placed without issues. One thing to note is when the lake floods the water does come up to some of the tables that are near the edge.

    Also there seems to be a bear that likes to roam around. He stayed clear of my tent but was getting into every trash can around camp and created quite a ruckus a few times. I just remote started my truck when he got near the trash cans near my tent and it spooked him a bit to run off.


Guide to Gillham Lake

Camping near Gillham Lake, Arkansas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to fish, hike, or just relax by the water, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Gillham Lake is known for its fishing spots. Campers at Cossatot Reefs - Gillham Lake have enjoyed the fishing, with one reviewer saying, "Fun fishing. Definitely will return."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the lake. A visitor at Shady Lake Campground mentioned, "We go often for the hiking, the views, and the ability to disconnect with it all."
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds provide access to swimming areas. A camper at Cowhide Cove Campground noted, "Enjoyed swimming and views."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. One reviewer at Cossatot Falls Campsites said, "The bathroom was clean and well stocked."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A visitor at Daisy State Park Campground remarked, "Spacious sites, and lots of privacy."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise. A camper at Cowhide Cove Campground mentioned, "Super nice and helpful host!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell reception. A visitor at Queen Wilhelmina State Park noted, "Our site has very weak Verizon service."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Cossatot Falls Campsites mentioned, "Limited camp sites; first come first serve at times."
  • No Showers at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have shower facilities. A visitor at Cossatot Falls Campsites pointed out, "No showers, but bathrooms."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Playgrounds: Look for sites that have playgrounds nearby. A camper at Cowhide Cove Campground said, "Being close to the playground was awesome."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring along gear for fishing or swimming. A visitor at Daisy State Park Campground enjoyed, "Kayaking rentals $20, the marina close by rented the Pontoons."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Shady Lake Campground mentioned, "The camp store sold firewood, ice and souvenirs."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Stevens Gap Campground noted, "The site had okay Verizon cell service, around 10-20 mbps."
  • Be Ready for Tight Turns: Some campgrounds have narrow paths. A camper at Stevens Gap Campground said, "The one-way paths very tight, very curvy."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. A visitor at Cossatot Reefs - Gillham Lake mentioned, "Our spot had very weak Verizon service."

Camping near Gillham Lake, Arkansas, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're with family or enjoying a solo trip, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gillham Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gillham Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 154 campgrounds and RV parks near Gillham Lake and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Gillham Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gillham Lake is Cossatot Falls Campsites — Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area with a 5-star rating from 12 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gillham Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Gillham Lake.

What parks are near Gillham Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 parks near Gillham Lake that allow camping, notably Dierks Lake and DeQueen Lake.